On Temazapam For 8 Years

[chrissa1]

I’ve been taking prescribed Temazapam since 2008 when I gave up alcohol. Starting on 20mg which was then raised to 30mg, when my husband died.

My surgery rang me up out of the blue, just before Xmas, to ask me to try to give it up. They didn’t want me to carry on because I might become addicted........Err hello,
I think I am.

They mentioned side effects like muscle control in my legs becoming lessened and becoming slightly forgetful. I’ve already noticed these things.

My question is: if I did come off it, would these side effects go away or has the damage been done already?

Thanks.

[sunny-dave]

I agree with sqad - and I see no inherent difference between taking long-term medication for (say) gastric reflux and taking long-term medication for a mental condition.

In both cases you become dependent on the drug - yet whilst no-one is preaching at me to "quit the lansoprazole" there seems to be an element of "it's a mental problem, so you need to beat it and quit the temazepan" in the way you are being treated.

It's time society (and some medical professionals it seems) stopped stigmatising necessary treatments for mental health issues.

[chrissa1]

Thanks s-d and anne.

[anneasquith]

Don't be made to feel guilty or pressurised to give up medication that you require.

[ummmm]

That's the problem...we do feel pressured. Not me, so far, but if my docs told me they were taken me off my meds I'd panic. But...I'd probably feel pressured to do what he/she says.

[chrissa1]

I have one more box to use before I can order the repeat prescription. I’ll see what happens then and let you all know. Fingers crossed.

[anneasquith]

True ummm, but as Dave states,my gp is not encouraging me to stop prescribed gaviscon. Our brain is an organ just like any other, but its not treated with the same respect .

[Mamyalynne]

I can't add anything much to the above excellent replies really - it seems crazy to say 'We have this that can sort you out' then some time later want you to stop.

I hope your repeat goes through OK or you at east get to discuss this sensibly with a GP that cares and understands.

[chrissa1]

Thank you, mamya and you too, ummmm. X

[jourdain2]

Me, too sqad. Good luck with it Chrissa. :)

[pastafreak]

This may be silly...or sound unsympathetic...but, how does one know a medication is still *needed* after such a long period? The initial reason for it...giving up alchohol, and then stress after a loss...are both in the past.
TBH...if I were showing signs of the side effects, I'd be thinking of reducing these meds at least.
Many years ago I took Valium, and though I'd not been taking for too long...maybe 18 months...coming off wasn't a piece of cake. But I wouldn't have wanted to be dependent on them.
These are just my personal thoughts.

[chrissa1]

That’s just it, pastafreak. I Do know that it is still needed. Deep down in my heart/head, I know that if I didn’t take my antidepressants and had nothing to help me sleep, my thoughts would return back to having a drink to help me sleep.

The doctors, (not my kind doctor) tried to change my antidepressant to a cheaper one. Within a week, my thoughts were turning to, “oh it’ll be alright to have a drink, I’m cured now.” I spoke to them and they put back on my old ones, thank goodness.

I do not want to upset the apple cart.

Call me weak and pathetic, but as has been said on here, would a crutch be taken away if it helped me walk and function better and live a happier and more contented life?

This “threat” has already caused worries and fears.

[pastafreak]

I don't know you chrissa...but I suppose I just feel worried for you. ( hug). Have you considered any "talking" therapy...maybe to help you feel more confident in yourself and to cope with those thoughts?

[chrissa1]

That’s kind of you, pastafreak but, I’m fine. I don’t need any talking therapy. I just want to be left alone, in peace, to get on with my life with the help of the things that have got me here.

[Islay]

Unfortunately Pasta I suppose the GP gets asked questions if you are on long term medication and perhaps they need to justify it?
Could you cope on smaller doses and give that suggestion to he GP?

[chrissa1]

No. I wouldn’t do that, spath.

[Bathsheba]

Chrissa, I think GPs were put under pressure to cut down on prescribing Temazepam. I had been taking 20mg a night for about 20 years. They even got a hypnotist in (I kid you not). So, I went along to the hypnotherapy sessions, and very pleasant they were too. I went down to 10mg a night, and I was given 5mg Diazepam to help me cope. Am still on 5mg Diazepam, 10 years later.
Worry not sweetie.
~Baths~
x x x x

[chrissa1]

That’s interesting, Baths. So, not a cost-cutting exercise in your case. A hypnotherapist And, Diazapam!!

[Bathsheba]

Yep! A win win situation! I've just remembered she did Acupuncture as well, and left a small needle in my ear which I had to twiddle, can't remember when or why :)
~Baths~
x x x

[chrissa1]

You’re kidding me!!